Governor Scott's Transformative Agenda and Budget Proposal

Governor Scott has proposed historic investments in child care, housing, education, economic growth, community infrastructure, to create a universally accessible voluntary paid family and medical leave program, and to help low and moderate income Vermonters get ahead.

His proposed budget uses sizeable state surpluses and revenue growth to make significant investments that will put Vermont in stronger fiscal position, make progress on longstanding challenges, and lift up families and communities across state.

In his January 20 address to the Legislature, Governor Scott called on lawmakers to put their communities first and think strategically to make the most of historic federal funds and state surpluses, saying:

“This budget is thoughtful, deliberate, disciplined, and carefully built to make the most of the historic resources available to us. It’s focused on investing, not just spending, to get the best results and grow revenue, so we can move families and communities ahead.

“It prioritizes the regions and people who need our help most, to deliver an increasingly healthy and vibrant economy in each of your communities.

“It funds work to lift Vermonters up with the dignity of a good job and stable housing and letting them keep more of what they earn.

“The choices we make this session, right or wrong, will have tremendous consequences on our state long into the future. So, let’s make the right decisions, not just the easy ones. Because there are moments in history – rare opportunities – to have a truly historic impact for those we serve.

“My fellow Vermonters, that moment is here. That moment is real. And it’s our duty to meet it, together.”

Click here for a full transcript Governor Scott’s FY24 Budget address.

Mid-Session Update

Midway through the Legislative session, the House of Representatives has approved a budget that falls significantly short of these goals, and jeopardizes the state's ability to make the most of this moment for communities and Vermonters.

The House budget and other legislative proposals significantly increase annual state spending, underfund multi-year programs, and add nearly $500 million dollars in costs through new taxes, fees and penalties. At the same time, the House budget cuts the Governor's proposed investments to help low and moderate income families get ahead - including investments that would:

Improve and add affordable rental units to the market;
Build new rental units for middle income families;
Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit - the anti-poverty tool that allows low-income families keep more of what they earn;
Expand mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services;
Repair drinking water lines in mobile home communities;
Weatherize more homes for low and moderate income Vermonters;
Give rural communities new tools to recruit employers and jobs; and
Help the state secure about $1 billion for communities to rebuild roads and bridges and ensure clean drinking water.

Again, these are investments that have been reduced or eliminated by the House budget at the same time the Legislature is proposing to raise taxes and fees - including payroll taxes, DMV fees, and more - on Vermonters.

Learn more about the Governor's concerns with the House Budget here.

If you want to help the Governor make sure we don't squander this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, click here to share your concerns with the Governor's Office and we'll make sure your voice is heard in the Legislature.